New Pride festival for trans community

London is to host its first ever Trans Pride festival on 14 September, according to a Facebook event page.

The event was posted on Tuesday 23 April. By the following morning, 1,500 people had registered their interest in attending the one-day festival.

Although Trans Pride will be London’s first such event, a similar get-together has been taking place in Brighton for six years.

According to the Facebook page, the new event is being arranged by non-profit organisation London Trans Pride (LTP) and London dance & club night Transmissions, who say: “We deserve our own pride event, a day to come together and stand in a crowd and feel normal.”

The page also states: “London Trans Pride is for TRANS, NON-BINARY, INTERSEX, GENDER NON-CONFORMING and all gender identities.

“It is for people that think they might be trans+, but maybe aren’t sure.

“It is for anyone who needs to escape the transphobic hegemony of cis-patriarchy.

“We welcome allies, friends and families of trans people to celebrate their trans loved ones with us on this day.

“The media are controlling the way trans people are seen and allowed to be seen and our voices are being distorted through a cis het media lens. We want to create a space that centres trans people and allows us to take ownership over our narrative.

“The LTP team all work in nightlife and events and are increasingly aware that, although necessary and valued, clubs aren’t enough. We need sober, day time and family friendly spaces to come together as a community to celebrate.

“Accessibility is paramount - we understand the limitations and difficulties that our community face in accessing the spaces and support we need. We are fundraising to ensure that LTP is as accessible as possible.”